From Del. Mike Jones (D-Richmond):
Statement by Delegate Michael Jones on Red Onion State Prison Visit
Richmond, VA — On December 30, 2024, I visited the Red Onion State Prison in response to urgent recent events, particularly the acts of self-immolation that occurred in the past months. This visit aimed to assess the conditions at the facility firsthand and recognize the pressing need for immediate action.
Upon arrival, I was granted immediate access to the facility, which allowed me to engage in direct conversations with several incarcerated individuals, many of whom hail from Richmond, particularly my district. These interactions provided invaluable insights into the daily realities within Red Onion State Prison.
During my visit, I received numerous unsolicited complaints covering a wide range of issues:
• Food Quality and Quantity: Many expressed concerns about the quality and portion sizes of meals provided were raised.
•Educational and Vocational Opportunities: There is a significant lack of inmate development and rehabilitation programs.
•Medical Treatment: Numerous individuals questioned the adequacy and timeliness of medical care were frequently questioned.
•Racism and Abuse: Recurring complaints about racism and abuse perpetrated by correctional officers were brought to my attention.
•Use of Canines: As a dog owner myself, I was concerned about the behavior of one of the canines present during the trip. Then, one man showed me injuries from being attacked and bitten by a DOC canine.
•Transfer Process: It is essential to reevaluate how individuals are transferred to Red Onion. Several persons have complained about the process, including concerns about the point system. Additionally, a gentleman I spoke to expressed frustration with the appellate process that led to his transfer, claiming he was wrongfully accused of participating in a protest at another facility.
•Facility Infrastructure and Resources: A glaring observation was the significant lack of technology that could enhance communication and educational opportunities within the facility. This technological deficit severely hinders rehabilitation efforts.
•Medical Care Concerns: Reports indicated inadequate medical care or delays in medical attention for serious injuries, including burns. Some men claimed to have waited days for necessary treatment that could not be provided within the facility.
However, what impacted me the most were the self-immolation incidents. Alarmingly, I spoke with two individuals who had resorted to self-immolation as a deliberate act of protest against their treatment and a desperate attempt to be heard by authorities. In addition to this, there is forthcoming information that will be released within the next few days that I found very disturbing and disheartening.
Action Steps and Recommendations:
VLBC Involvement: I strongly urge the members of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus (VLBC) to make this one of our priorities and to visit the facility continually. I recommend conducting unannounced visits to truly get a sense of what is happening. The staff was very open and allowed me to see whatever I wished, which is positive.
Public Safety Committee: Additionally, members of the Public Safety Committee should conduct their own independent visits to gain firsthand knowledge of the conditions. I’m happy to share with them any insights I gained from my experience and to provide any assistance they may need.
Immediate Investigation: There needs to be an immediate and thorough investigation into the facility’s practices and conditions. Positions in the Office of the State Inspector General need to be filled, as discussed at the House of Delegates’ Public Safety Committee meeting this month.
Implement Restorative Housing Reform: In our last General Assembly session, VLBC Chair, Senator Lamont Bagby, patroned SB 719, a bill to address Restorative Housing and Isolated Confinement. Although it passed both Houses, it was vetoed by Governor Youngkin. This issue
should be readdressed in the next session and the legislation should be reintroduced.
Rehabilitation Focus: We must actively explore ways to better prepare incarcerated individuals at Red Onion for their eventual release and reintegration into their communities. Staff shared the positive impact education has on recidivism. DOC should implement methods to expand and improve educational opportunities within the prison. Consider purchasing tablets and other technology to facilitate learning and allow staff to enhance learning.
Food Quality Improvement: The legislature needs to assess current food options, increase funding for better-quality meals and reassess quantity. It should also explore the possibility of providing more fresh food options over frozen ones.
Community Connection: As a Delegate representing Southside Richmond, one of my main concerns is the impact places like Red Onion have on my community. Many of the men I spoke with on my visit were from Richmond (several from my District) and had dropped out of school at an early age. The need for community connections and support for these individuals is paramount.
To that end, we (Richmond) must:
•Provide current Richmond Public Schools students with necessary wrap-around services.
• Work to truly close the school-to-prison pipeline.
• Identify at-risk students early and support them to graduate and acquire valuable trade skills.
My visit to Red Onion State Prison revealed only a fraction of the facility’s multitude of challenges. It is abundantly clear that significant reforms and immediate action are necessary to address the myriad of concerns raised. As elected officials, it is our duty to ensure that even
those in our correctional facilities are treated with dignity and provided with opportunities for rehabilitation. After all, they are our constituents.
I am committed to working tirelessly to implement these recommendations and to continuing to monitor the situation at Red Onion State Prison.
